NWFL Championship 2026: Fortress Ladies Target Long-Awaited Top-Flight Breakthrough in Calabar

Posted : 05 July 2026

Fortress Ladies are determined to end years of near misses as they set their sights on securing promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership at the 2026 NWFL Championship in Calabar.

Head coach Jimmy Aimuagbonrie believes the club is well-positioned to finally achieve its long-standing ambition after making steady progress over the past two seasons.

Fortress Ladies finished third in the championship two years ago before improving to second place last season, leaving the team eager to take the final step into Nigeria's top-flight women's league.

"Our target this year is the promotion ticket. Two years ago, we finished third on the table, and last year we came second. Fortress Ladies now want to achieve the ultimate goal by gaining promotion to the NWFL Premiership," Aimuagbonrie said.

The experienced tactician stressed that youth development remains central to the club's philosophy, with the team continuing to place its trust in young players capable of growing into top performers.

"We still rely on youthful talent to prosecute our game because we believe they are the future. With more matches and tournaments, they will continue to gain valuable experience," he added.

Aimuagbonrie expressed satisfaction with the team's preparations ahead of the competition, insisting every detail has been addressed to give Fortress Ladies the best chance of success.

"The team is doing its best in terms of preparation, dotting our i's and crossing our t's to ensure we get the desired results. We know it won't be easy, but we will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome."

Reflecting on previous campaigns, the coach said the lessons learned from falling short of promotion have strengthened the team's resolve heading into this year's tournament.

"The lessons from previous seasons have been enormous. We have taken note of them and will use those experiences to our advantage this time."

Drawn in Group C alongside Rangers Women, Wazbak International Sports Academy, and Unification FC, Fortress Ladies face another stern test in their quest for one of the coveted promotion places.

Despite the challenge, Aimuagbonrie remains confident his side can finally complete the mission.

"Yes, I know the teams, and I respect them as opponents, but this is my time to soar into the NWFL Premiership," he declared.

Fortress Ladies will be aiming to turn years of steady progress into a long-awaited promotion when the championship begins in Calabar. Armed with valuable experience and confidence in their youthful squad, the club believes this could finally be the season it earns a place among Nigeria's elite women's teams.

NWFL Championship 2026: Fortress Ladies Target Long-Awaited Top-Flight Breakthrough in Calabar

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